Belting from Melbourne United still haunts the Perth Wildcats

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The memory of last month’s 17-point thrashing from Melbourne United is at the forefront of every Perth Wildcats’ player’s mind as they prepare for today’s game at RAC Arena.

Melbourne inflicted Perth’s largest loss of the season in December and that started their run of poor form.

Wildcats youngster Rhys Vague said the players didn’t need reminding that they’d been thumped the last time the teams met.

“We don’t forget those sort of things,” Vague said.

“That was probably our worst game all season because they controlled it for the whole game. We don’t forget those sort of things.

“We are hungry for this one. One of our best games was against them (in October). We have a full team and everyone is healthy. It’s on us.”

A thumping win from Adelaide over ladder leaders Sydney yesterday has increased the urgency for the Wildcats to find form. Adelaide handed the Wildcats their eighth loss from the last 10 games on Thursday and that left Perth among a clump of teams battling for places in the top four.

The Wildcats have another game against Adelaide on Friday followed by an away clash with Sydney on Sunday.

Camera IconThe Cats are out of touch.Picture: Getty Images

Another Wildcats loss today will leave them vulnerable to being knocked out of the four, but a win will dramatically change their season and keep open the door again for them to jump back into the top two.

Perth wasted no time preparing for today’s game and spent their flight back from Adelaide on Friday reviewing vision of United.

Vague said there were clear contrasts between the way Adelaide played on Thursday and how Melbourne would perform today.

“They’re a quality side and they’ve got so many dangerous players,” he said of Melbourne.

“It’s going from Adelaide being a more team orientated thing to Melbourne having three or four specific guys who are really good.”

Vague was thrust into the starting five against Adelaide and spent more than 25 minutes on court during the loss.

The 23-year-old said getting the opportunity to have a significant role had taught him a lot.